Home and garden news – June 2017

GreenFest, hosted by Bluegrass Greensource, will be held Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bluegrass Greensource, 835 National Avenue. GreenFest is a one-day sustainable living festival featuring green living workshops and resources, eco-inspired activities for kids, community booths and vendors, and local food. For more info, go to www.BgGreenfest.org.

The Lexington Council Garden Club’s Garden Tour will be held Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 4 from 1 until 5 p.m. at various locations across the city. This two-day, biennial garden tour organized by the Lexington Council Garden Club features eight carefully curated gardens including a Japanese garden, a cottage garden filled with roses and native plants, a garden with chicken coops and gardens designed by both homeowners and professionals. Proceeds fund beautification projects throughout the city. 8 a.m. Various locations. Full list available at http://www.lexgardenclubs.org.

Sunday, June 4

The 2017 Kenwick Bungalow Tour will be held Sunday, June 4 at 1 p.m., starting at the Victory Christian Church. The Kenwick Neighborhood Association presents the 2017 Kenwick Bungalow Tour. The tour is a perfect illustration of this near-downtown neighborhood that blends traditional and modernized homes and gardens, and the diverse blend of Lexingtonians who call it home.

Thursday, June 8

Elephant Ears will be the focus of a workshop Thursday, June 8 at the Fayette County Extension Service, starting at 6:30 p.m. These are impressive tropical giants that are easy to grow. This class will expose guests to unusual varieties focusing primarily on the upright Alocasias. The extension service will provide a plant or two to take home. Preregister by calling the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582.

Friday, June 9

The Fayette County Extension Service will present the workshop “Living Green Lunch and Learn” Friday, June 9, starting at noon. Bring a lunch but drinks provided. Call 859.257.5582 to register.

Saturday, June 10

The Woodford County Woman’s Club 2017 Spring Garden Tour and Plant Sale will be held Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 247 Lexington Rd in Versailles. This spring’s tour will feature seven gardens in Versailles, Midway and surrounding areas. All proceeds will benefit Coats and Shoes for Kids Project in Woodford Co. and The Historic Little House. For more information, go to www.woodfordcountywomansclub.org.

Thursday, June 15

“Perennials for Shade Gardens” workshop will be held Thursday, June 15 at the Fayette County Extension Service. There are many great perennials for shady gardens and this workshop will cover some of the more reliable ones. There is a whole universe beyond hosta and ferns. Take home small plants to create a shady retreat. Preregister by calling the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582.

Tuesday, June 20

The Fayette County Extension Service will host “Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Part II, Maintaining” on Tuesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. This class will cover some of the most basic questions for any first time gardener when it comes to maintaining the new plot. Topics will include things like watering, pest/weed management, and fertilizing.There will also be drawings for a few door prizes that any first time gardener will love. For more information or to register, call the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582.

Wednesday, June 21

A “Food Preservation Boot Camp” will begin Wednesday, June 21, at the Fayette County Extension Service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This three-day workshop (June 21, 22 and 23) covers most aspects of food preservation including canning, freezing and drying-including pickling, jams and jellies. There will be lecture and hands-on activities. Lunch will be provided. Register by calling the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582.

Thursday, June 29

There are many varieties of mushrooms that can be grown at home and oyster mushrooms will be the focus of a workshop Thursday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fayette County Extension Service. Participants will receive live spawn to take home and begin their own cultures. These should begin producing in the fall. Register by calling the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582.